Sand mining companies join forces

A coalition of sand mining companies are working together to address issues facing the industry.

Wisconsin’s large deposits of a type of sand used in oil and gas drilling have resulted in a booming industry. While the silica sand used in hydraulic fracturing, or “fracing,” is getting the most attention, sand mining operations have a long history in the state. While the frac sand is a major focus right now, there are several operations that mine sand for glass or water filtration.

Rich Budinger is President of the Wisconsin Industrial Sand Mining Association, a coalition of four companies the want to promote safe and responsible mining standards, as well as a “fact based positive dialogue.”

The move comes as governments and the public are looking at how to respond to the sand mining boom. While there is some growing pressure to regulate sand mining operations, Budinger notes they already face tight restrictions on both the state and local level. He says the group does not plan to push for any regulatory changes at this time.